THE Penang International Airport’s (PIA) passenger traffic performance has been remarkable, says state executive director for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai.
He noted that from January to February 2025, total passenger movement at PIA reached 1,379,084, marking a 17.35% increase compared to 1,175,211 in the same period of 2024.
International passenger movement surged by 22.56%, rising from 600,084 in 2024 to 735,460 in 2025, while domestic passenger movement increased by 11.91%, from 575,127 to 643,624.
“These figures demonstrate that Penang International Airport is steadily establishing itself as a hub for international tourism, with international passenger traffic even surpassing that of domestic travellers,” Wong stated in a press release yesterday.
“According to the latest data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, Penang International Airport ranked as the second busiest airport in Malaysia in 2024, trailing only Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
“Among the five busiest airports in Malaysia, Penang International Airport recorded a total of 64,507 aircraft movements, surpassing Kota Kinabalu International Airport (63,822), Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (59,929), and Kuching International Airport (54,969). This leap in ranking further confirms Penang International Airport’s pivotal role in Malaysia’s air transport network and reflects the growing appeal of Penang as a hub for international tourism and business.”
As of February 2025, international flight frequency at Penang International Airport reached 320 flights per week, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 284 flights per week. Compared to 208 flights per week in 2016, this represents a 1.54-fold increase.
“With the continuous rise in both passenger numbers and flight frequencies, the current 16 aircraft bays are insufficient to meet future demand. Therefore, the expansion plan includes the addition of 12 new aircraft bays – six with contact stands and six remote bays, boosting the total to 28 aircraft bays, nearly doubling the current capacity. This proactive measure is designed to effectively manage the growing influx of passengers driven by Penang’s thriving tourism industry,” Wong said.
Wong recently led a delegation of Penang tourism industry players to Penang International Airport for a meeting with the airport management.
The visit aimed to monitor the progress of the airport’s expansion project while providing a platform for direct dialogue between tourism stakeholders and airport management. Discussions focused on optimising airport facilities and services to bolster Penang’s competitiveness as an international tourism destination.
Wong stated, “The expansion project at Penang International Airport is divided into three key phases, which will be implemented sequentially and systematically. Phase One covers the auxiliary building and associated works; Phase Two involves the construction of airside facilities, pavement works for the apron and taxiway, and other associated works; and Phase Three focuses on the development of the main terminal building and its associated infrastructure.
“As of mid-March this year, physical works in Phase One have progressed to 32%, and the overall progress remains on track. It is anticipated to be completed as scheduled.”
The progress of the expansion project, undertaken by the Federal government, is being closely monitored by the state government to ensure smooth execution and strong communication between relevant agencies.
The attendees of the meeting included YB Wong, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang, Ooi Chok Yan, chief executive officer of Penang Global Tourism; Datuk Albert Tan Sam Soon, Life Honorary President of Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association; Ben Ho, vice-chairman of Malaysia Association Hotel – Penang Chapter; Carolyn Leong Mei Ching, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents – Penang Chapter, stakeholders of the Penang tourism industry, as well as staff and management of Penang International Airport.
Pix courtesy of Petace